Via Rail and the Via Historical Association organised a Vancouver event celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Canadian at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. A press conference was held on November 21 with a public open house on November 22.
The event was well organised and went well, but was dampened by Vancouver’s soggy weather. Speeches were given by Via’s Executive Group along with a number of local politicians. The speeches were non controversial, as to be expected at a ceremony of this type. President Peloquin stated that Amtrak could be running promotional FIFA trains but provided no details. Chairman Goldbloom’s mention of the Pan Canadian Fleet renewal was limited to a hope that bids would be received soon. Interim federal NDP leader, Don Davies, attended and was thanked by the Chairman for NDP Via support, a comment probably not noticed by the provincial NDP MLAs present. The City of Vancouver presented a Proclamation declaring November 21/22 as The Canadian 70th Anniversary Day.
The request for media questions went unanswered. Anecdotal conversations with some present showed that providing service on the southern route is an item of discussion, although there is nothing concrete.
The consist tours were busy, of course, and the guides well-chosen – knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Via has done a stellar job of maintaining and refurbishing them.
And who knew that Via has bee hives on some station roofs and uses the beeswax to produce soap for its customers.
Via and the Via Historical Society are to be congratulated on a job well-done.
